The breed was developed by Louis Dobermann who served as a tax collector and ran a dog pound. Having access to dogs of many breeds, his goal was to create a new breed that would offer him protection during his tax collecting rounds. He wanted the new breed to combine strength, loyalty and ferocity.

The breed was developed further by two gentleman named Otto Goeller and Philip Gruening.

The breed got its name in honor of its creator after his death in 1894.

Today, the breed is used extensively in police and military work, search and rescue, therapy and guarding.

Physical Characteristics of Doberman Puppies

This is a large and muscular dog.

It has a long head with a long muzzle and dark almond shaped eyes. The ears are medium size drop or cropped erect. The tail is docked.

The coat is short and smooth, and comes in black, blue, red or fawn. There are rust markings above the eyes, on the chest, legs and the muzzle.

In some countries, including Germany, the practice of cropping the ears and docking the tail came under criticism and some breeders are leaving their puppies natural.

Height

Weight

Male

26 - 28 inches

60 - 95 pounds

Female

24 - 26 inches

55 - 90 pounds

Temperament

The Doberman Pincher is an intelligent, loyal, energetic, courageous and gentle dog.

Many people wrongly believe that this is a very vicious breed. Because some dogs chosen for guard duty were trained to be vicious, people believe all Dobies are vicious. Hollywood doesn't help either -- these dogs are always portrayed as mean looking and vicious.

It's loyal and affectionate with its family. Some dogs may bond equally well with all family members while others are one person dogs.

With proper leadership and training, this can be a very good family pet and companion.

Best Owner / Living Conditions

Dobermans require an experienced and active owner.

While they can adjust to an apartment lifestyle, they will do better with a backyard.

The breed is sensitive to cold weather, so the ideal owner, in addition to being experienced and having a backyard, does not live in a very cold climate.

When handling them, establish a pack order, with you being the pack leader and other members of your family being right behind you.

Dogs that know their order in the pack are easier to handle and get into trouble less often.

Some Doberman Pinscher breeders will interview prospective owners to make sure this is the right breed for them.

Activity and Exercise

The Doberman Pincher is a very energetic breed and needs plenty of exercise.

If you have a fenced yard, your pet will enjoy running off leash. Otherwise, consider getting an electronic dog fencing. There are a lot of systems that are cheap, easy to install, and will prevent your pet from escaping an unfenced yard.

If you are into jogging or bicycle riding, take your pet along (on-leash).

At a minimum, take your pet for several brisk walks every day.

Grooming

These dogs are average shedders.

Brush once or twice a week with a firm bristle brush. Bathe only when absolutely necessary.

Health Concerns

Like all dog breeds, the Doberman is susceptible to complications caused by parasites such as dog ticks, fleas, and puppy worms, including tapeworms, roundworms, and heartworms.

Feed your pet several smaller meals instead of one large one to keep his weight under control.

To reduce the risk of the above and many other health problems, buy only from reputable Doberman Pinscher breeders (visit dog breeders to learn how to identify responsible dog breeders).

No matter how small the risk of health problems is, any puppy may get sick or injured. Many health problems will require an immediate attention from your Vet, but there are many others that will not, and you may handle them on your own.

Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy for healthy Doberman puppies is between 10 and 13 years.

Did you ever consider adopting your next pet?

If this is the breed you are interested in, and adoption appeals to you, consider contacting your local Doberman rescue. There are thousands of pets waiting for a loving home and, yes, it's possible to adopt a purebred dog.

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Dog Quotations

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."

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